It’s hard to have a better start to the decade than the Georgia Bulldogs have during the 2020s.

They’ve finished ranked inside the top seven of the final AP Poll in each season of the 2020s. Georgia has appeared in four of the six College Football Playoffs in this current decade and the Bulldogs are the only team in the sport to have won multiple national championships since the start of the 2020 season.

Chip Patterson of CBS Sports stated that as it stands right now, the Bulldogs are in fact the team of the 2020s.

“From the start of the 2021 season through the end of 2023, Georgia went 42-2 with two national championship game wins and the only defeats coming to Nick Saban and Alabama in SEC Championship Game appearances,” Patterson wrote. “And while the winning percentage has dipped a bit in the last two seasons (23-5), those years have each included SEC Championship Game wins. Kirby Smart helped build the juggernaut of the 2010s with Saban, and as we stare down the final four years of the 2020s, he’s currently driving the frontrunner to be the team of the decade.”

Patterson notes that Ohio State is nipping on the heels of the Bulldogs, despite Georgia having a 3-1 edge in terms of conference championships.

Georgia is the only team with multiple national championships in this current decade, but Ohio State, Indiana and Alabama all seem like possible threats to get a second.

Oregon, Texas, Miami and Notre Dame appear to be annual threats to win a national championship. Especially in a world with an expanded College Football Playoff.

We’re past the halfway point when it comes to this decade, yet there are still four seasons left for one team to stake its claim as the dominant program of the decade. While the Bulldogs have gotten out to an early lead, there is still time for someone else to catch them.

So what do the Bulldogs have to do to ensure they remain in position to be the team of the decade?

The simplest answer is to grab another national championship. Alabama won four during the 2010s, with Smart serving as the defensive coordinator for three of them. Nebraska won three in the 1990s, while Miami did the same in the 1980s.

To get a third national title though Georgia will need more breaks than it got in 2021 or 2022. Those titles came in an era where there were just four teams in the College Football Playoff. Georgia also played just eight SEC games in those seasons. Going forward, the Bulldogs, and every other SEC team, will play nine conference games each season.

There’s also the other notable change that comes because of changes to NIL rules and the transfer portal. While NIL was legal during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, it’s a totally different beast now in terms of the way it impacts team building.

As for the transfer portal, we’ve already seen how Georgia has had to prioritize retention with its current roster. While Georgia brought in only nine players via the transfer portal, it also only lost 12 members from last season’s team. Both of those marks are the fewest in the SEC.

While Georgia has a plan when it comes to working the transfer portal, one of the questions that will ultimately define how the Bulldogs finish out the decade comes in the form of talent acquisition.

The Bulldogs signed a top 5 high school recruiting class in every recruiting cycle from 2020 through 2025 using the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Georgia’s 2020 and 2024 recruiting classes were ranked No. 1 in the country. But the 2026 recruiting cycle ranked sixth. The current 2027 class sits at No. 13, with only a small handful of targets remaining uncommitted.

Potential changes to the way the sport is governed are possible, but who knows what further consequences potential government intervention will have on the sport.

For as much as has changed in the sport from when the decade began, Georgia has been able to find stability in a way not every contender has in recent years. Consider that this year will be the fourth straight that Glenn Schumann and Mike Bobo have served as the offensive and defensive coordinators at Georgia.

Georgia’s staying power is a big reason why some view Smart as one of the top coaches in the sport.

“The argument for Smart is his program remains the gold standard for elite, sustained success even as the expanded CFP, the portal and NIL have in many ways made his job tougher,” ESPN’s Max Olson said. “He has maintained an incredibly high standard at Georgia with no bad years, finishing in the top seven of the AP poll in nine consecutive seasons, with eight trips to the SEC title game.”

If the Bulldogs continue to find themselves in the College Football Playoff, eventually the breaks will go their way. In 2022, Ohio State’s Noah Ruggles missed a 50-yard field goal attempt as time expired. Last season, Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro made a 47-yard field goal in the final moments of the College Football Playoff.

Smart has always built Georgia to sustain. It’s a big reason why to this point in the decade, the Bulldogs are viewed as the team of the decade.

To ensure that title sticks throughout the rest of the decade, the Bulldogs are going to need to continue to accumulate talent at an elite level. That aspect will almost certainly look different compared to the beginning of the decade.

Ultimately, national championships will go a long way in shaping which team ends the decade as the defining team. Ohio State likely isn’t going anywhere, while Texas and others seem committed to spending whatever it takes to stay atop the sport.

Georgia is the only SEC team to make the College Football Playoff in each of the last two seasons. Oregon, Indiana and Ohio State are the only other teams to make it in both seasons.

No team has yet won a College Football Playoff game in multiple 12-team formats. Perhaps that speaks to how difficult it will be to maintain success on an annual basis.

This demonstrates just how much more difficult the task ahead is for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Kentucky is world-famous for attractions like Louisville Mega Cavern and Mammoth Cave National Park, and those are just a few of the places a day trip in the state can take you. You could also spend time with animals at spots like the Kentucky Horse Park or the Louisville Zoo. And for scenic outdoor fun, Red River Gorge and Cumberland Falls State Resort Park offer beautiful natural settings. Here are the best day trips you can take in Kentucky in 2026.

Louisville Mega Cavern (Within the City)

This massive underground attraction offers a completely unique experience right in Louisville’s backyard. What was once a limestone quarry has been transformed into a 17-mile cavern featuring zip lines, an underground bike park, and tram tours that educate visitors about the cavern’s geology and history. The consistent 58-degree Fahrenheit temperature makes it an excellent choice year-round, particularly during hot summer days or cold winter months.

Families can spend hours exploring the underground rope course or racing through the zip-line attractions, while history enthusiasts will appreciate learning how the cavern was used as a fallout shelter during the Cold War. The facility even hosts underground events and holiday light shows during the winter season.

Louisville Zoo (Within the City)

Home to more than 1,500 animals representing species from around the globe, the Louisville Zoo provides an educational and entertaining experience for all ages. The zoo’s carefully designed exhibits recreate natural habitats, allowing visitors to observe animals in settings that mirror their wild environments. Highlights include the Glacier Run exhibit featuring polar bears and grizzly bears, and the Islands pavilion, where you can encounter orangutans and tigers.

The zoo frequently updates its exhibits and programs, ensuring that even repeat visitors will find something new to discover. Plan to spend at least half a day here, as the 134-acre facility offers plenty of ground to cover, along with dining options and play areas for younger children.

Muhammad Ali Center (Within the City)

This downtown museum and cultural center celebrates the life and legacy of Louisville’s most famous native son while exploring themes of respect, confidence, and social justice. The interactive exhibits engage visitors with Ali’s boxing career, his stance on civil rights, and his humanitarian efforts around the world.

Beyond the permanent collection, the center regularly hosts traveling exhibitions, speaker series, and community events that continue Ali’s work of promoting peace and understanding. The building’s riverside location offers beautiful views of the Ohio River, and visitors can easily combine a trip here with a walk along the waterfront or a visit to nearby restaurants in the revitalized downtown district.

Mammoth Cave National Park (90 Minutes South)

The world’s longest known cave system stretches for more than 400 miles beneath the rolling hills of south-central Kentucky. Ranger-led tours vary in difficulty and length, from easy walks suitable for families with young children to challenging expeditions that involve crawling through tight passages.

Above ground, the park features over 80 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests, scenic river valleys, and historic areas that tell the story of early cave explorers and the people who once called this region home. The park offers something different each season, from spring wildflowers to fall foliage, making it worth visiting multiple times throughout the year. Be sure to book cave tours in advance, especially during peak summer months when they fill up quickly.

Red River Gorge (2 Hours East)

This geological wonderland in the Daniel Boone National Forest draws rock climbers, hikers, and photographers from across the country. Natural sandstone arches, towering cliffs, and dense forest create a landscape that feels almost primordial in its beauty. More than 100 natural arches dot the area, many accessible via moderate hiking trails that reward visitors with spectacular views.

Popular destinations within the gorge include Natural Bridge State Resort Park, where a sky lift carries those who prefer not to hike to the top of the 65-foot sandstone arch, and the numerous trails that lead to formations like Sky Bridge and Chimney Top Rock. Spring and fall bring the best weather for hiking, though the summer months offer opportunities for swimming in the Red River itself.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (2 Hours Southeast)

Often called the “Niagara of the South,” this 68-foot waterfall spans 125 feet across the Cumberland River, creating a powerful display of natural force that impresses even seasoned travelers. The falls are famous for producing a moonbow during full moons on clear nights, one of only two places in the Western Hemisphere where this phenomenon occurs regularly.

Day visitors can access multiple viewpoints via short hiking trails, including paths that lead to the base of the falls for an up-close perspective. The surrounding state park offers additional trails through old-growth forest, opportunities for whitewater rafting when water levels permit, and picnic areas with river views. Plan your visit after periods of heavy rain when the falls are at their most dramatic.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (30 Minutes South)

This 16,000-acre nature preserve combines scientific research with public recreation, offering visitors a chance to experience one of the largest privately owned natural areas in the eastern United States. More than 40 miles of hiking trails wind through various ecosystems, from grasslands to mature forests, while the Canopy Tree Walk elevates visitors 75 feet above the forest floor for a bird’s-eye perspective.

The arboretum’s collection includes thousands of labeled trees and plants, making it an educational destination for botany enthusiasts and casual nature lovers alike. Art installations scattered throughout the property, including the massive Forest Giants sculptures, add an unexpected creative element to the natural setting. Seasonal events like the spring wildflower display and fall color tours draw crowds, but the preserve’s size means you can always find quiet spots for contemplation.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (2 Hours 30 Minutes Southwest)

Situated between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, this 170,000-acre peninsula offers water recreation, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities in abundance. The area includes beaches for swimming, boat ramps for accessing both lakes, and miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Elk and bison herds roam through dedicated ranges where visitors can observe these magnificent animals from viewing areas and roads.

The Homeplace 1850s Working Farm provides living history demonstrations that show what rural life was like in the region before the lakes were created. While slightly farther than other destinations on this list, the variety of activities available makes the drive worthwhile, particularly for those interested in water sports or wildlife photography.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park (45 Minutes South)

The historic mansion at the heart of this Bardstown park inspired Stephen Foster’s famous song and now serves as a window into antebellum Kentucky life. Guided tours of Federal Hill mansion reveal elegant architecture and furnishings from the early 1800s, while the surrounding grounds feature gardens and walking paths perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

The park also hosts an outdoor amphitheater that presents “The Stephen Foster Story,” a musical that runs during summer months. Bardstown itself merits exploration, with its downtown area featuring bourbon distilleries, historic churches, and restaurants that showcase Kentucky’s culinary traditions. Combining a park visit with bourbon tastings and lunch in town creates a full day of varied experiences.

Kentucky Horse Park (1 Hour 20 Minutes East)

More than 50 breeds of horses from around the world call this working horse farm and educational theme park home. Visitors can watch horses being trained, attend live shows featuring various riding styles and breeds, and explore museums dedicated to equine history and the sport of thoroughbred racing.

The park’s grounds include miles of trails for walking or horseback riding, a petting farm for younger visitors, and seasonal events like championship horse shows and polo matches. Located in Lexington, the heart of Kentucky’s horse country, the park captures the state’s deep connection to these animals while making the experience accessible to those with no prior equestrian knowledge. The twice-daily Parade of Breeds show alone justifies the visit, showcasing the diversity and beauty of different horse breeds in a single spectacular presentation.

Kentucky Derby Museum (Within the City)

Even if you can’t attend the famous race at Churchill Downs in May, this museum brings the excitement and history of the Kentucky Derby to life any day of the year. Interactive exhibits explain how horses are bred and trained for racing, while historic displays showcase the greatest champions and most memorable moments from Derby history.

The 360-degree theater experience makes visitors feel like they’re actually in the midst of the race, complete with the roar of the crowd and the thunder of hooves. Guided tours of Churchill Downs track and grandstand are available when races aren’t taking place, giving you access to areas typically seen only by owners and jockeys. The museum shop offers everything from commemorative mint julep glasses to authentic racing silks, perfect for souvenirs or gifts.

Wrapping Up Your Kentucky Adventures

Kentucky’s remarkable concentration of diverse attractions within easy driving distance of Louisville makes it an ideal destination for spontaneous day trips and weekend exploration. From the depths of the world’s longest cave system to the heights of Red River Gorge’s natural arches, from world-class museums to pristine natural preserves, the state delivers experiences that rival those found in regions requiring much more extensive travel.

The accessibility of these destinations means you can tailor trips to match the weather, your energy level, and your interests without the stress of complex planning or overnight stays. Whether you’re drawn to outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, or family-friendly attractions, Kentucky’s day trip options ensure you’ll find compelling reasons to explore something new every weekend throughout 2026.

CATAHOULA PARISH, La. (KALB) – Judge John Reeves, who serves the 7th Judicial District Court in Catahoula and Concordia parishes, pleaded guilty in a Judiciary Commission investigation to having engaged in misconduct in his actions at the judge’s bench.

The investigation, in conjunction with admissions of guilt by Reeves, found he:

• issued a legally deficient verbal order of visitation in a child custody case
• issued a legally deficient verbal search warrant in a criminal case
• allowed two members of his court staff to seek appointment as reserve deputies of the Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s Office
• failed to timely recuse himself in a criminal case and gave the appearance of bias
• failed to comply with the Code of Criminal Procedure in reducing, revoking, and subsequently reinstating the defendant’s bond in a criminal case.

The Louisiana Supreme Court issued an opinion on June 25 agreeing with the Commission’s findings.

In acceptance of Reeve’s admissions, his four-month suspension will last from August 31, through the end of his term in office on December 31, 2026.

In addition to the suspension, Reeves must pay $6,148 to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana.

Read the opinion by clicking here.

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